Taxus brevifolia, the Pacific yew or western yew, is a conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.

Common name: Western Yew, California Yew, and Mountain MahoganyColor: Greenish-creamBloom time: April to MayHeight: 3.00 to 5.00 feetDifficulty level: easy to grow

Planting & CareThe vining varieties require a support structure as some can get 15 feet tall. All plants prefer sun to light shade sites with well-draining and moderately fertile soil. Install the plant in the ground at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot. Most plants are grafted onto the common rootstock because of its superior hardiness.

Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Soil: well-drained soil

Water: Medium

Temprature: 20 °C

Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer

Care:

Deadhead religiously and keep beds clean.

Every leaf has a growth bud, so removing old flower blossoms encourages the plant to make more flowers instead of using the energy to make seeds.

Clean away from around the base of the rosebushes any trimmed debris that can harbor disease and insects.

Note:Boxwood can be somewhat temperamental to grow in the St. Louis area where its evergreen foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds.